In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada Podcast, powered by Kubota Canada, hosts Tim Parent and Craig Lester kick things off by talking about Health Canada's decision to allow the emergency use of strychnine in Alberta and Saskatchewan to deal with an infestation of Richardson Ground Squirrels. 

Then, we have an in-depth conversation with Alberta's new Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Hussein Kashwani, whose early experience on his family's poultry farm north of Edmonton still drives how he approaches animal health policy today. The conversation also delves into the shortage of rural vets in the province, and Dr. Kashwani's thoughts on how to lure more vets to rural practices. 

All that and more in this episode of the RRC Podcast.

It's official. The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pushing back on proposed new federal livestock traceability rules.

In a statement, the CCA says it does not support moving forward with amendments from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to the Health of Animals Regulations.

The relationship between the Canadian Cattle Association and Alberta Beef Producers remains under the spotlight as discussions continue around a potential withdrawal from the national group.

CCA CEO Andrea Brocklebank says it’s a complex issue, but one the industry is tackling together.

Craig Lester is back from Brazil.

In this episode, sponsored by Kubota Canada, we dive into what he saw on the ground from +30°C fields in the state of São Paulo. Craig talks about many forms of agriculture in a country that has transformed into a global agriculture powerhouse in just 50 years, a single generation.

🌱 Feature Segment: Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (8:09)

RRC’s Olivia Taylor dives into the Classroom in the Agriculture Program and how it has made a difference across the country in helping students understand where their food comes from.

🚜 Expert Interview: Hay and Forage Prep – Chris Ennis, Kubota Canada (11:17)

Chris Ennis shares practical strategies for:

• Field and pasture preparation

• Improving forage quality

• Equipment selection for hay production

• Maximizing efficiency and reducing downtime

This feature is sponsored by Kubota Canada.

A pulse research scientist whose work focuses on practical solutions for producers has been named the 2026 AFSC Women in Ag Innovator.

Robyne Davidson has spent years in fields and labs working through the everyday challenges pulse crop farmers face. This year, that work got noticed.

Davidson, a pulse research scientist at Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alta., has won the 2026 Agriculture Financial Services Corporation Women in Ag Award in the Innovator category. The award recognizes women making meaningful contributions to the agriculture sector.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.

RRC Meteorologist David Spence shares insight on this week's weather forecasts across Alberta, the B.C. Peace region, and the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan area.